Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

The lake is the picture and the mountains are the frame

Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains, you’re enclosed in a hidden paradise.

Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring National Park.

Lake Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest; its clean, blue waters are an inland sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and bridle trails wander the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon.

As summer fades, the tall poplar trees that grow around the edge of Lake Wanaka turn every shade of yellow and gold. To catch the warm, clear days and startling colours of autumn, many travellers choose the months of April and May for their visit to the Queenstown/Wanaka region. Photo by Gilbert van Reenen (www.cleangreen.co.nz) Click on the image for larger version

The region’s fortunes have changed over the years. The discovery of gold in the 1870s inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the gold faded away, high country farming became the main source of employment. Today, tourism is the new gold – an endeavour that requires the environment to stay picture perfect.

Key Features

Lakes wherever you look. Centuries of glacial action crafted Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Discover their scenic perfection by mountain biking the high trails, paragliding over the hills, sightseeing by air or walking the myriad of tracks.

Get high on Mount Aspiring. The jewel of the region is its highest point, Mount Aspiring (3,027 metres), which nestles comfortably in one of the country’s largest national parks. Delve inside the park's boundaries and discover a rare world.

The fast running rivers of the Mount Aspiring National Park can be negotiated by jet boat and kayak, allowing visitors to discover the locations for Isengard, Lothlorien and Amon Hen. With not a manmade structure in sight, it’s easy to imagine yourself in Middle-earth. Photo by Gilbert van Reenen (www.cleangreen.co.nz) Click on the image for larger version

Winter sports wonderland. The Lake Wanaka region is a complete winter sports destination. Cardrona and Treble Cone are classic downhill ski fields, heli skiing happens high in the Harris Mountains and there’s Nordic skiing at the Snow Farm.